Oh man…the new kid on the block has been garnering plenty of praise and adulation from the masses, and from the looks of it, rival handsets are finding it very difficult to compete with something so massive – literally! Cementing itself as a top-contender on AT&T’s lineup, the Samsung Galaxy Note LTE has captivated our attention thanks to its killer specs, but most importantly, its uncanny size for a smartphone is undeniably its trump card. Before its arrival, the LG Nitro HD pushed the envelope with its then above-average sized 4.5” True HD IPS display, but as we’ve all come to realize, it’s pales in comparison in size against the obnoxiously large display of the Galaxy Note LTE. Regardless of that, it’s still quite a lovable handset on its own, especially now it’s priced at under $100, so let’s find out how these two juggernauts stack against one another.

Design:

Over 2 months ago, the LG Nitro HD reaffirmed that 4G LTE smartphones could be manageable in size, even with super-sized displays in tow, but it was in fact bearing one of the largest footprints of any 4G LTE smartphone at the time. Well, it’s evident that’s not the case anymore, as the Samsung Galaxy Note LTE takes it to the next level with its ridiculous dimensions. Visually, there’s nothing whatsoever that stands out with their designs, seeing they’re both constructed out of all plastic, boast streamlined bodies, and sturdy construction. However, what’s apparent is the sheer size of the Galaxy Note LTE, which makes it the harder device to wield with one hand – whereas, it’s not a disturbing nuisance with the Nitro HD. At the same time though, it’s the size of the Note that draws us in more into it than the Nitro HD.

The Samsung Galaxy Note LTE (left) and the LG Nitro HD (right)

Thanks partly to its 3-button layout, as opposed to the usual 4 Android capacitive buttons on the Galaxy Note LTE, the Nitro HD is less prone to accidental presses. As for their front-facing cameras, the Nitro HD is equipped with a 1.3-megapixel one, while the Galaxy Note LTS is graced with a slightly larger 2-megapixel snapper.

Android buttons

Front-facing cameras

The Samsung Galaxy Note LTE (left) and the LG Nitro HD (right)

Easy on the fingers to feel out and dishing up some quality responses, we’re fond of their dedicated power buttons and volume controls. With their microUSB ports, they obviously supply juice and transfer data, but they require the aid of an MHL adapter to gain video-out functionality.

Bottom edges

Left

Top

Right

The sides of the Samsung Galaxy Note LTE (bottom) and the LG Nitro HD (top)

Power buttons

Volume rockers

Connection ports

The Samsung Galaxy Note LTE (bottom) and the LG Nitro HD (top)

For the photo-centric individuals out there, you’ll be pleased to know that they’re sporting the same sized 8-megapixel auto-focus camera with LED flash – with the ability to capture 1080p videos. In terms of battery, the Nitro HD houses a sufficient 1,830 mAh battery, while the Galaxy Note LTE is endowed with an uber sized 2,500 mAh one.

The backs of the Samsung Galaxy Note LTE (left) and the LG Nitro HD (right)

Display:

It’s not every day we find a smartphone with a monstrous 5.3” WXGA (800 x 1280) Super AMOLED display, but that’s the reality of things as the Galaxy Note’s screen makes the 4.5” True HD (720 x 1280) IPS display of the Nitro HD seem average in size. Without question, there’s a lot to like with both displays as they exhibit great viewing angles and sharp details on the surface, but that’s where the similarities end. Specifically, we’re enchanted by the saturated color production of the Galaxy Note’s Super AMOLED panel, but it’s not necessarily accurate per se – especially when it has a distinct bluish tone with the color white. Conversely, the advantage of Nitro HD’s IPS display is that it has the more accurate and realistic colors.

The Samsung Galaxy Note LTE (left) and the LG Nitro HD (right)

Samsung GALAXY Note LTE 360-degrees View:

Drag the picture or use the keyboard arrows to rotate the phone.
Double click or press keyboard Space to zoom in/out

LG Nitro HD 360-degrees View:

Drag the picture or use the keyboard arrows to rotate the phone.
Double click or press keyboard Space to zoom in/out

Samsung have really done a lot of tweaking on the software side. The browser seems to be much smoother with or without exynos. IPS are really good displays but they are so reflective. I hope the 4X have improved. The Note is definitely the winner here.

I remember when ufc first came out, you never know who you're going fight with. As the ufc became more popular and become a true sports, rules had to be applied. I'd love to see Brock Lesner against St. Pierre but just not right and we know why! Fedor against overeen would be breath taking!

The biggest difference between both phone is size!! Most of AT&T would go with the Nitro HD, but for Big Men like me, you go with the Note. One thing is for sure, AT&T customer wont be disappointed with either one!!

Samsung said their goal is to sell 10 million of these. Hurry up and release it on all major carriers so you can hit the 10 million mark by 2013. I want the Note but I'm with Verizon and not switching as of right now until further notice.

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